Special Note from the Board Chair
Dear Kent County Residents,
Happy New Year! The start of a new year always brings a sense of renewal and opportunity, and this year is no exception. My name is Ben Greene, and I am honored to serve as the Chair of the Kent County Board of Commissioners.
Let me share a little about myself. I am a lifelong Kent County resident, proud husband to my wife Taylor, and father to two wonderful children. My roots in public service run deep—I served as a Plainfield Township Trustee from 2016 to 2020 and worked for a decade in the Michigan House of Representatives as a Legislative Aide and Legislative Director. Alongside my public service, I am a small business owner, leading a marketing and public relations firm based in Grand Rapids. I was first elected to the Board in 2020, and it has been a privilege to represent our community.
I’m deeply grateful for the confidence my fellow commissioners have placed in me to lead as Chair. I have big shoes to fill, building on the strong foundation laid by previous Board leadership. Together, we are committed to making Kent County even better for not only my kids but for future generations.
Kent County is already an incredible place to live, work, and raise a family, and we’re excited to continue building on that success. From enhancing community health and safety to promoting economic growth, we are eager to achieve great things for our county.
As the youngest Chair in the Board’s history, I am passionate about fostering open dialogue and ensuring that residents have opportunities to share their perspectives. Please know that my fellow commissioners and I are always here for your questions, feedback, and ideas.
Thank you for your trust and support. I look forward to serving you and working together to make Kent County the best it can be.
Warm regards,
Ben Greene
Chair, Kent County Board of Commissioners
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Board Elects New Leadership and Welcomes Changes
On January 3, the Board of Commissioners held its organizational meeting, electing new leadership for the upcoming term. Commissioner Ben Greene (District 1) was unanimously chosen as Chair, with Commissioner Dan Burrill (District 8) serving as Vice-Chair. Commissioner Michelle McCloud (District 13) was elected as Minority Vice-Chair.
Commissioner Burrill will also lead the Operations & Policy Committee, while Commissioner Lindsey Thiel (District 11) chairs the Finance Committee, and Commissioner Dave Hildenbrand (District 5) heads the Community, Health, and Safety Committee.
This term marks a historic shift for the Board, as commissioners now serve four-year terms instead of two, following a recent change in state law. The Board also welcomed five newly elected members, each bringing fresh perspectives and ideas to support Kent County’s growth and development.
Board of Commissioners Meeting Highlights
The Board of Commissioners generally meet on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month. Attending these meetings in person or via livestream offers a chance to stay informed and involved in community issues.
Below is a video summarizing key moments from our January Board meeting:
January 23, 2025 Meeting
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Invocation by Vice Chair Burrill
- Special Order of Business: 2024 Veteran of the Year Award and Certificate of Senatorial Recognition Presentations for Joe Kline
- Special Order of Business: Public Defender Presentation by Julia Kelly, Public Defender
- Resolution Passed to Appropriate Previously Allocated ARPA Funding to the Special Projects Fund
- Resolution Passed to Allocate Prevention Initiative Funding
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Join a Kent County Board, Commission, or Committee
We are inviting residents to make a difference in their community by applying for appointments to various boards, commissions, and committees. If you're passionate about improving your community, now is the time to get involved!
Available Openings:
- Community Corrections Advisory Board
- Community Health Advisory Board
- Community Mental Health Authority Board
- Kent County Community Action Advisory Governing Board
- Kent County Family & Children’s Coordinating Council
- Remonumentation Peer Review Group
Applications are being accepted now, and the deadline to apply is Jan. 31, 2025. To apply, visit our website and complete the online application form. For additional information or assistance, contact the Board office at 616-632-7580.
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Joe Kline Honored as 2024 Veteran of the Year
At Thursday's Board of Commissioners meeting, the Board proudly recognized Joe Kline as the recipient of the 2024 Veteran of the Year Award. A distinguished Vietnam veteran with an incredible 31 battle stars to his name, Joe’s lifelong dedication to service and honor stands as an inspiration to all.
Since 2011, Joe has been a devoted member of the Kent County Honor Guard, where he has exemplified a deep commitment to honoring our nation’s heroes. His contributions in 2023 alone were extraordinary, participating in 223 military funerals. That same level of dedication continued in 2024, with Joe attending 200 services, ensuring that veterans and their families receive the respect and recognition they deserve.
Joe’s steadfast presence and unwavering commitment to duty reflect the very best of what it means to serve not just in uniform but beyond the battlefield. His work reminds us all of the importance of honoring those who have sacrificed for our freedoms.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Joe for his extraordinary contributions to our community and the nation. Congratulations, Joe Kline, on this well-deserved recognition!
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Congratulations to Commissioner Sparks: 2025 GIANT Milo Brown Business Award Winner
We are thrilled to celebrate Commissioner Monica Sparks, who, alongside her twin sister Jessica Ann Tyson, has been honored with the Milo Brown Business Award as part of the 2025 GIANT Awards. This recognition celebrates members of the African American community who have made exceptional contributions, going above and beyond to shape the history, culture, and quality of life in the community.
Commissioner Sparks and her sister are both exemplary leaders, successful business owners, devoted mothers, and dedicated public servants. Congratulations, Commissioner Sparks! It is truly an honor to have you on the Board, serving our community with such dedication. Thank you for all you do to make Kent County a better place!
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Upcoming Meetings
- Tuesday, Feb. 4: Finance Committee
- Thursday, Feb. 13: Board of Commissioners Meeting
- Tuesday, Feb. 18: Operations & Policy Committee
- Tuesday, Feb. 25: Community, Health and Safety Committee
- Thursday, Feb. 27: Board of Commissioners Meeting
All Board and committee meetings start at 8:30 a.m. at the County Administration Building within the Board of Commissioners Chambers, unless otherwise specified. Click here to access meeting agendas and minutes.
Around The County
- The Board released its Year in Review report in late December celebrating the achievements of 2024.
- In observance of Radon Action Month, the Health Department partnered with Kent District Library to distribute free radon test kits in January, providing nearly 2,000 kits to residents.
- Several Health Department services have temporarily relocated within the department's existing facilities due to renovations at its main clinic, 700 Fuller Ave. NE in Grand Rapids.
- The Animal Shelter has relocated to 2055 Oak Industrial Dr. NE, in Grand Rapids, for flooring renovations mandated by the Michigan Department of Agriculture. Community members are encouraged to adopt or foster animals until March, making a meaningful difference for the shelter and the animals in its care.
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Explore winter fun with our Parks Department! With over 40 parks and 100 miles of trails, enjoy activities like cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, or a scenic winter walk for year-round outdoor adventures.
- Our Purchase of Development Rights program is accepting applications through April 30. This program offers compensation to agricultural property owners who agree to place a permanent deed restriction on their land. By participating, owners ensure their property remains dedicated to agricultural use, safeguarding it from future non-agricultural development. For more details, visit https://www.accesskent.com/Departments/BOC/PDR/.
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